Flying First Class the Japanese Way: Why ANA Still Sets the Gold Standard
Many top-tier products make luxury obvious through impressive displays and performances. An exception to this rule is ANA First Class from All Nippon Airways. And it doesn’t feel special for no reason.
The experience is relaxing, accurate, considerate, and subtly elegant. There is nothing about it that seems pushy or over-the-top. Instead, it’s all intentional details from how guests are greeted upon arrival at the airport to the manner in which their beds are made up at 35,000 feet.
Flying First Class with ANA isn’t simply a case of gaining extra inches when sitting down or being served nicer champagne. It embodies omotenashi: Japan’s philosophy on wholehearted hospitality – and you’ll encounter it every step along your journey.
Do you like having some or all of the following while still in the air? A space that’s yours, great food, not feeling bored, but also never too excited, then this may well be one.
The Airport Experience Done Right
Your experience begins right when you get to the airport. If you’re flying First Class from Haneda or Narita, you’ll find special check-in desks that make the usual airport queues seem very impersonal. They feel more like being greeted at a friend’s house.
Everything is incredibly smooth and efficient– remarkably calm too. The staff are consistently courteous. They have a knack for anticipating your needs but never intrude. And they seem absolutely focused on making things easy for you.
Next up, fast-track security and immigration means you go through the airport without the normal stress and bustle. It feels like everything is flowing just for you. No rushing around, no confusion, no raised voices. It’s a perfect way to start things off before your flight.
Once you’ve gone airside, get ready for the ANA Suite Lounge. Think: exclusivity, tranquility, luxury, and space. While similar in theme to certain other high-end lounges, there is something extra special here that makes it more like a destination in its own right, a sanctuary.
Whether you wish to dine from the à la carte menu, enjoy freshly made sushi with premium sake & champagne. Or choose more familiar dishes from the Western menu. Everything is beautifully presented.
Shower suites are spotless and spa-like (if somewhat small). Nap rooms are dim and peaceful, while private work areas give you plenty of space to gear up before boarding. However, you may find it easier just to relax.
If you’re heading off from an international airport elsewhere in the world, don’t worry. ANA also partners with Star Alliance First Class lounges, so your experience remains consistently special, even outside Japan.
Inside “The Suite”
When you step on board, “The Suite” – ANA’s flagship First Class seat – immediately makes an impression.
Installed on the Boeing 777-300ER, it is one of the widest First Class suites around – a clear benefit of being a newer design. The extra width makes it feel less like a seat and more like a private room.
In addition, the 1-2-1 layout ensures everyone has direct aisle access. And it is something not all First Class cabins can boast. Close the sliding door, and suddenly you are cocooned in privacy; a sensation that feels rare even in First Class.
The visual language is distinctly Japanese: clean lines warmed by wood paneling and pleasant earthy tones. It manages to feel modern without being cold, luxurious without being loud.
When bedtime comes around, the seat converts into a fully flat bed about 78 inches in length. The crew then adds a soft mattress topper, duvet, and large pillow. And suddenly you have one of the most comfy beds in the sky.
Storage is plentiful and well-thought-out, with your own wardrobe, vanity mirror, and places for everything from laptops to makeup bags.
The technology is great, too. The huge 43-inch 4K screen – the biggest in any First Class cabin – turns your suite into a private cinema. Bluetooth audio allows you to use your own headphones, while USB-C ports, AC power, and easy-to-understand seat controls keep everything handy.
Even with all this technology, the space never feels complicated or too much. It simply works!
Fine Dining
One standout feature of ANA First Class is the incredible food. For fans of Japanese cuisine, this is a dream come true. An authentic kaiseki experience while you’re still up in the air.
Each dish in this multi-course meal has been thoughtfully prepared to showcase seasonal flavors at their best. Presentation is beautiful with attention paid not only to appearance but also to color combinations that won’t clash!
The beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender, sashimi is fresh enough to make you cross yourself, and rice is fluffy but not sticky. Even the miso soup feels like a warm hug.
If you don’t fancy Japanese food, don’t worry – there’s an equally amazing Western menu too. You can have steak or lobster thermidor, and there are vegetarian options that sound like they’ve come straight from a 5-star restaurant.
And here’s something else. You don’t have to wait until you get on the plane to decide what you’re going to eat, because ANA lets you pre-order meals in advance.
The drinks list is impressive too: mainly premium sake and shochu along with champagne (like Krug or Dom Pérignon), plus a carefully selected list of wines as well as various types of Japanese tea.
Entertainment, Connectivity, and Quiet Indulgence
Enjoy an impressive 43-inch screen with ANA’s in-flight entertainment system. It really does feel like a movie experience.
ANA SKY CHANNEL gives you loads of choice. Hollywood blockbusters, Japanese films, anime, TV series, music, and games. The interface is easy to use with great responsiveness, while picture quality is brilliant.
Wi-Fi is available on most long-haul planes, too. So it’s easy to stay connected if work needs to be done or you fancy messaging family mid-flight.
You can also access ANA’s digital library, including newspapers and magazines. Perfect for unwinding pre-landing or getting stuck in before take-off.
However, there is something special about silence. The cabin feels calm and peaceful, helped by excellent sound insulation, gentle lighting from above, and lots of personal space. This is an environment where time slows down in the best possible way indeed!
Amenity Kits
ANA is a company that puts a lot of thought into amenity kits for its First Class passengers. It is a detail not to be overlooked.
To create these luxury wallets full of goodies, they have teamed up with well-known brands, SENSAI cosmetics and ETTINGER, the leather goods makers. Inside the kit, you will discover high-grade skincare products and beautiful fragrances.
There are also cozy socks, an eye mask, and a dental set. Everything required to feel fresh during or after your flight. But that is not all. ANA provides sleepwear (pyjamas), as well as slippers.
The beds are made up with linens that could be used in top hotels, and then there is the onboard bathroom. It too has some nice touches, such as facial mist from razors plus shaving foam. Sometimes all these things help maintain a feeling of discreet luxury throughout the cabin.
Bottom Line
ANA First Class isn’t for flash. Instead, it’s about getting things right. Enjoy more peace at the airport, and the incredible space and comfort of The Suite, along with calming tech-savvy cabin interiors. This is really First Class at its best.
It suits people who love privacy, superb food, and a deep sense of calm from wheels-up to touchdown. And if shelling out the published fare sounds painful, booking via Simply Business Class might save you up to 50% on premium seats.
Exactly the same ANA First Class experience. Exactly the same feeling of peaceful luxury. Just with a much nicer price tag.
